Online Synod Business Meeting SYNOD 2020

​Our constitution and canons require that we hold an Annual Synod for the purpose of conducting business. The recent travel and meeting restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic has made it necessary for us to modify the timing and format of our annual synodal business meeting in May. After receiving Provincial guidance and helpful input from the Diocese of C4SO (which regularly uses an electronic format due to large geographical distances), the Standing Committee has deliberated and agreed  to hold our annual Synod business meeting in an online format on Saturday, May 30, 2020. While we recognize that this format presents certain challenges and limitations, we believe it affords us the best option to fulfill our canonical responsibility during this challenging time.
 
A question was raised regarding the legitimacy of holding an online synodal business meeting. Our Diocesan Chancellor has reviewed the situation and given us his legal opinion. His careful and considered legal opinion is summarized in these few lines from his review:
 
"In my review of the Canons of the Diocese as well as Chapter 1702 of the Ohio Revised Code, I believe a meeting via Zoom is legitimate, particularly under the current circumstances... Nowhere in the Canons is there an indication that such electronic attendance is not permitted.  Even the letter of concern recognizes that the Canons are silent on the issue.  Thus, under Ohio law, such attendance is permitted." 
 
To read the Chancellor's complete review and recommendation with supporting documentation, see the links below or click the two links here: ADGL Chancellor's Complete Review and Recommendation / Supporting Documentation. Be sure to stay up to date on developments with the synod online business meeting by visiting this page often and carefully reading email communications as they will contain important details regarding our online synod  business meeting. 
 
Please join us in fervent prayer for God’s grace and enabling in this challenging season.
 
The Standing Committee

ADGL Chancellor's Complete Review and Recommendation
Supporting Documentation